title: A novel stereotaxic apparatus for neuronal recordings in awake head-restrained rats.
abstract: A novel technique for neuronal recordings in awake head-restrained animals is presented. Our setup allows (1) daily repeat microelectrode studies in rats without use of anesthesia, (2) excellent stabilization of head using an eight point fixation, (3) painless head-restraint of the animal, (4) accurate stereotaxic localization during multiple sessions of recording, (5) to considerably reduced surgical time, (6) quick repositioning during chronic recording sessions and (7) high quality stabilized neuronal recordings during periods of rest and active movements.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0599, USA.
authors.forename: Kunal D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Chaniary
authors.forename: Mark S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Baron
authors.forename: Pete
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Ann C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: Paul A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Wetzel
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D003399:Craniotomy / Q000379:methods; D020392:Entopeduncular Nucleus / Q000166:cytology*; D006257:Head; D008839:Microelectrodes; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D014851:Wakefulness